CJE SeniorLife's free Art in the Moment app (available through iTunes for iPad users now) designed for older adults with cognitive impairment features works from The Art Institute of Chicago collection. The app launched earlier this week with works of art with a "Celebrations" theme. Other themes, or modules, such as "Rhythm in Art" and "The Wonder Years" will be rolled out in the coming weeks for users to engage with new works.

CJE SeniorLife's free Art in the Moment app (available through iTunes for iPad users now) designed for older adults with cognitive impairment features works from The Art Institute of Chicago collection. The app launched earlier this week with works of art with a "Celebrations" theme. Other themes, or modules, such as "Rhythm in Art" and "The Wonder Years" will be rolled out in the coming weeks for users to engage with new works. (Posted By CJE SeniorLife, Community Contributor)

The act of observing, talking about and creating art is an alternative way for older adults with dementia to communicate and reflect on their life experiences, and to be actively and fully engaged in the present moment with loved ones and caregivers. Based on The Museum of Modern Art’s Alzheimer’s Project, Meet Me at MoMA, Art in the Moment is a unique CJE program designed specifically for older adults with early to mid-stage dementia and their caregivers to spark creative dialogue and nurture positive interactions. Participants of the local program visit The Art Institute of Chicago museum galleries to view and discuss renowned works of art and then engage in related art-making projects.

The Art in the Moment app, made possible with funding from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and developed by SchwarTech Consulting LLC, uses selected works of art found in The Art Institute of Chicago’s collection to stimulate users’ minds through posed questions (audibly and visually) while viewing works of art on the device, and even encourages users to engage in a related art-making activity on their own, similar to the actual program held at The Art Institute of Chicago.

In the mobile app version of this program, works of art are arranged by themes, or modules, such as “Celebrations,” in which app users can explore how various celebrations have been depicted in art—from elaborate festivities to public gatherings to spontaneous, private celebrations—and reminds viewers of the many opportunities we have to applaud life as we live it. The app launched with the “Celebrations” module, and will continue to release other themes over the next several months, such as Rhythm and Art, Modern Portraits, The Wonder Years, Jewish Artists, American Environment and Everyday Extraordinary, for users to explore new kinds of art work.

* * * * * * * *The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, based in New York, is a national non-profit organization that unites more than 1,600 member organizations nationwide with the goal of providing optimal care and services to individuals confronting dementia, and to their caregivers and families. Its services include a toll-free hotline, educational materials, a free quarterly magazine for caregivers and professional training. For more information about AFA, call toll-free 866-232-8484, visit www.alzfdn.org, follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/alzfdn, or connect with them on Facebook www.facebook.com/AlzheimersFoundationofAmerica.

Since 1972, CJE SeniorLife has enhanced the lives of older adults and their families through an innovative, comprehensive network that includes life enrichment programs, supportive resources, healthcare, research and education. CJE is a partner in serving the community, supported by the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago. Funding for Art in the Moment at CJE SeniorLife is made possible by the Joseph H. and Belle R. Braun Fund. For more information about CJE services, call 773/508-1000 or visit www.cje.net. For more news and events, follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CJESeniorLife or Twitter at www.twitter.com/CJESeniorLife.